Vindication for the Righteous

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)

The fiery furnace did not prevail against Meshach, Shandrach and Abednego (Daniel 3; 8-30); the lions did not prevail against Daniel (Daniel 6:1-28), the prison walls and chains did not prevail against Paul and Silas (Acts 16:16-40). Instead they became a living testimony of the power and Glory of God. When he faced his false accusers and murderers, Stephen’s face became like that of an angel; he had no fear because he saw the glory of God and he was peaceful unto death (Acts 7: 14,55, 60). He was vindicated by the conversion of his murderers who included Saul; later to become the great evangelist. Jesus triumphed over death by rising again and offering his salvation to all sinners. If we serve God we should be at peace; we will be vindicated when the truth comes out whether during our lifetimes or after. Both ways, God’s name will be praised. Sinful ways no matter how temporarily successful will always be proven as a path to self destruction, while the righteousness of God and his truth will always stand. Romans 12:19-21.

Vindication does not necessarily include witnessing the punishment of the enemy; it is when good overcomes evil. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good”. Romans 12: 19-21 (K.J.V)

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“Vengeance is not the point; change is. But the trouble is that in most people's minds the thought of victory and the thought of punishing the enemy coincide”. - Barbara Deming

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